SA squad announces white-ball tours to Afghanistan and Ireland. In an exciting announcement for cricket fans worldwide, South Africa’s white-ball head coach, Rob Walter, has revealed the squads for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan and the proceeding white-ball tour against Ireland. Both tours, set to commence later this month, will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), adding a touch of desert heat to the exhilarating cricket action. These series are vital for South Africa’s preparation for major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments in the coming years, including the much-anticipated 50-over World Cup in 2027.
Rising Stars and Debutants
As part of South Africa’s continued efforts to build a broader pool of players, the selectors have brought in fresh talent. Among the exciting inclusions are Jason Smith and Nqaba Peter, both of whom have been capped in T20 Internationals (T20I) but will make their ODI debut during the Afghanistan series. Smith, an all-rounder from the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, and Peter, a spinner from the DP World Lions, have shown immense potential and are poised to become regular faces in the South African setup.
Another significant addition to the squad is the 21-year-old Andile Simelane, a promising all-rounder who has been making waves on the domestic circuit. Simelane, who recently represented South Africa A in the one-day series against Sri Lanka A, will play a crucial role in both the ODI squad against Afghanistan and the T20I side against Ireland. His selection marks his first exposure to the national team, showcasing his high potential as a future Proteas star. Simelane has been part of the SA Emerging tour of Zimbabwe, and his consistent performance has earned him the national call-up.
The Return of Lungi Ngidi
Perhaps the most significant boost for South Africa is the return of Lungi Ngidi, the pace spearhead of the team. Ngidi, who had been sidelined due to a right calf injury, has fully recovered and has been included in all three squads—ODI, T20I, and the series against both Afghanistan and Ireland. Ngidi’s presence adds a considerable edge to South Africa’s bowling attack, as his ability to generate pace and bounce makes him a critical asset, especially in the fast, bouncy pitches of the UAE.
Ngidi’s return is particularly crucial given South Africa’s focus on building a robust bowling lineup ahead of future ICC tournaments. The 50-over World Cup in 2027 looms large in the minds of the Proteas’ management, and they are ensuring that seasoned bowlers like Ngidi are fit and in top form for the challenge.
Squad Announcements: South Africa Gears Up for a Busy Schedule
The Proteas will face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series from September 18 to 22 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Following this, the team will head to Abu Dhabi to take on Ireland in two T20Is on September 27 and 29, followed by a three-match ODI series from October 2 to 7 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. The challenging tour will test South Africa’s ability to adapt to differing conditions, offering vital international exposure to many of the new and fringe players.
Rob Walter emphasized that giving opportunities to a wide range of players aligns with their broader strategy. “We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months,” said Walter. “This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027.”
South Africa ODI Squad Against Afghanistan
- Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions)
- Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Nandre Burger (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions)
- Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions)
- Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions)
- Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Andile Phehlukwayo (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions)
- Andile Simelane (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors)
- Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans)
South Africa T20I Squad Against Ireland
- Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors)
- Nandre Burger (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions)
- Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions)
- Patrick Kruger (Dafabet Warriors)
- Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions)
- Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions)
- Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions)
- Andile Simelane (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors)
- Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans)
South Africa ODI Squad Against Ireland
- Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions)
- Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Nandre Burger (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions)
- Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions)
- Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Andile Phehlukwayo (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions)
- Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions)
- Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors)
- Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions)
- Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Fixture Schedule
Afghanistan ODI Series
- Wednesday, 18 September at 16:00 – Afghanistan vs South Africa – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Friday, 20 September at 16:00 – Afghanistan vs South Africa – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Sunday, 22 September at 16:00 – Afghanistan vs South Africa – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
Ireland White-Ball Tour
T20I Series
- Friday, 27 September at 19:30 – Ireland vs South Africa – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Sunday, 29 September at 19:30 – Ireland vs South Africa – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
ODI Series
- Wednesday, 02 October at 15:30 – Ireland vs South Africa – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Friday, 04 October at 15:30 – Ireland vs South Africa – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Monday, 07 October at 15:30 – Ireland vs South Africa – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Key Talking Points
Building Depth for Future ICC Tournaments
The emphasis on giving opportunities to fringe players aligns with South Africa’s strategy of building depth for the upcoming ICC tournaments, particularly the 50-over World Cup in 2027. By providing international exposure to younger, less experienced players, the Proteas management is ensuring that they have a wider selection of match-ready cricketers to choose from for key tournaments. This deliberate approach will also help in identifying potential match-winners in different conditions, which could be a decisive factor in major global events.
Ngidi’s Return and the Bowling Strategy
The return of Lungi Ngidi strengthens South Africa’s bowling attack, especially with several senior players being rested. Ngidi’s ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his vast experience in international cricket, makes him a crucial asset. His performance in both the ODI and T20I formats will be under scrutiny as he aims to cement his place as a leading fast bowler for South Africa.
The Significance of the UAE Conditions
The choice of the UAE as the venue adds an interesting dynamic to the series. The UAE pitches have historically been conducive to both spin and pace, with a slight tilt towards spin in the shorter formats due to their dry nature. The Proteas will need to adapt quickly to these conditions, which will provide valuable experience for the upcoming World Cup, where adaptability across varying conditions will be key.
Conclusion
As South Africa prepares for this intense white-ball tour against Afghanistan and Ireland, the spotlight is firmly on how the team adapts to new conditions and integrates fresh talent. The series will serve as a critical platform for players like Andile Simelane.
